Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Berlin Fellowship Program
Deadline: 15 January 2026
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling on journalists at risk to apply for its Berlin Fellowship Programme a fully supported opportunity created for reporters whose work has put them under threat.
The Berlin fellowship program offers a safe place to work from, when telling the truth can come at a high personal cost, It provides crucial time, protection, and professional support for journalists who need space to breathe, rebuild, and continue reporting without fear. The fellows will temporarily relocate to Berlin, Germany, to strengthen their skills, connect with peers from around the world, ensuring they keep their journalism alive and thriving.
What the Fellowship Offers
- A safe and supportive environment for journalists facing persecution
- Training in professional practice and digital security
- Financial, logistical, and legal support to enable continued reporting
- Access to international media networks and press freedom advocates
- A strong sense of solidarity with journalists from diverse contexts
Practical Support Includes
- Visa assistance and international travel costs
- A furnished studio apartment in Berlin
- Monthly living stipend
- Health and travel insurance
- Local transport within Germany
- Access to a shared media workspace
- Opportunities to attend conferences, trainings, and cultural exchanges
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is open to:
- At least three years of professional experience
- Staff, freelance, and citizen journalists
- Reporters working across print, online, radio, TV, and multimedia
- Journalists from independent media
- Applicants who can demonstrate real threats or persecution linked directly to their journalism
Language & Eligibility Notes
- Journalists from all countries are welcome to apply
- Applicants must be able to return to their country of residence or permanent residency for visa purposes
- The programme is conducted entirely in English, and fluency is required
Priority Areas
RSF encourages applications from journalists reporting on:
- Investigative and accountability journalism
- Human rights
- Climate and environmental justice
- Corruption
- Labour rights
- Migration and displacement
For full application details and how to apply, visit:
https://www.reporter-ohne-grenzen.de/fellowship-programs/call-for-applications
Journalists working under pressure, you are not alone, your work matters.
